He said that having the two organizations split the cost of the shared gym – with JCPS paying about $900,000 and YMCA chipping in close to $1 million – meant that the gym was bigger and nicer than if either had to pay for the gym themselves, Raisor said.

Steve Tarver, chief executive of the YMCA of Greater Louisville, said the partnership between his organization and JCPS was fairly unique drawing inspiration from a school in Florida that had a similar partnership.

"This isn't about just building a building," Tarver said. He called the partnership a "forward-thinking" plan in a time when resources are often tight.

"We are joint owners around the goals of connecting education and health to the school and the students and the community at large," Tarver said.

The gym, which is connected to both the school and the YMCA, features a small stage, molded retractable bleachers and motion-sensor lights. Tarver said most YMCAs do not have so many bleachers but said they were needed so the school could host assemblies and other events in the gym.

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"Innovative partnerships like this one allow us to minimize expenses while building world-class spaces," Raisor said. He added that the partnership allows the space to not only be "utilized during the school day or even school year but during nonschool hours and (on) days school is not even in session."

Raisor stressed that students will not mingle with YMCA patrons, with the two groups having access to the facility at different times. Utilities will also be measured separately for the gym, Raisor said. JCPS would have first use of the facility during school hours and priority for use during such things as field days, carnivals, home games, athletic or band practices and other school-related functions.

Norton Commons Elementary and the YMCA are also partnering on other things. For instance, the YMCA will cosponsor the school's robotics club and cross-country team and will offer swimming lessons to all second-graders as part of the student's physical education requirement.